Podcast Summary: The Real Currency Of Business: The Power of Testimonials & Reviews

Podcast Information:

• Title: You Can! Inspiring Women In Business
• Host: Sarah Jolley-Jarvis
• Episode: The Real Currency Of Business: The Power of Testimonials & Reviews
• Release Date: February 7, 2025

In this compelling episode of You Can! Inspiring Women In Business, host Sarah Jolley-Jarvis delves into the pivotal role that testimonials and reviews play in driving business success. Aimed at empowering women to achieve consistent five-figure income months while working part-time, Sarah offers actionable insights and strategies for leveraging genuine client feedback to build trust, enhance credibility, and fuel sustainable growth.

1. Testimonials as Business Currency

Sarah opens the discussion by asserting that testimonials and reviews are the true currency within a business. She challenges the conventional focus on revenue by highlighting that testimonials serve as the bedrock for attracting and retaining clients.

"[00:45] Sarah: 'They are your proof that what you are saying actually you can deliver on.'"

2. Building Trust Through Authentic Feedback

Authenticity is paramount. Sarah emphasizes that genuine testimonials cannot be purchased and cautions against fabricating reviews, which can severely damage credibility.

"[01:20] Sarah: 'You can't buy them. They're the things that are genuine. Well, as long as you don't make them up...'"

3. Social Proof and Client Confidence

Testimonials function as social proof, enabling potential clients to feel confident in their decision to work with you. Sarah explains that in an era rife with exaggerated online claims, having verifiable testimonials reassures clients of your ability to deliver promised results.

"[02:15] Sarah: 'People want to do their due diligence. They want to feel confident that they're making the right decision.'"

4. Engaging Through Storytelling

Beyond trust-building, testimonials serve as powerful storytelling tools. Sarah shares how narratives from successful clients can relate to potential clients' struggles and aspirations, offering hope and a clear path to transformation.

"[04:50] Sarah: 'People always remember stories and so it's easier to provide information in story format.'"

5. Enhancing SEO with Testimonials

In addition to trust and engagement, testimonials boost Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Platforms like Google My Business and Trustpilot use reviews to improve search rankings, making your business more visible to potential clients searching for relevant services.

"[06:00] Sarah: 'Google my business trustpilot, they help your business appear in searches...'"

6. Testimonials for Long-Term Success

Sarah contrasts businesses focused on short-term gains with those aiming for long-term sustainability, explaining that testimonials are invaluable for the latter. They act as ongoing proof of your reliability and effectiveness, laying a strong foundation for enduring success.

"[07:30] Sarah: 'Your testimonials are there. They are your foundations. They are the bricks that you can keep drawing upon and pointing to time and time again.'"

7. Initiating Testimonials Collection

Starting to collect testimonials early is crucial. Sarah advises that now is the time to begin, even if you haven't perfected your offer or haven't amassed many clients yet.

"[09:15] Sarah: 'The time to start is now. If you don't have any, then don't beat yourself up about it.'"

8. Strategies for Obtaining Testimonials

Several strategies are discussed for acquiring testimonials:

• Reach out to past clients or colleagues who can vouch for your skills.
• Offer free or low-cost trials to new clients in exchange for honest feedback.
• Provide a framework or guidance to clients to help them articulate their experiences effectively.

"[12:10] Sarah: 'Providing them with a bit of a framework, a bit of guidance is a great way of helping them to know what to put and to create a testimonial...'"

9. Crafting Effective Testimonials

Sarah highlights the importance of structured and detailed testimonials. She recommends including:

• Circumstances prior to working with you
• Any hesitations before engagement
• The transformation achieved
• Specific results obtained
• Recommendation statements

"[19:25] Sarah: 'Questions around the sort of circumstances prior to working with you, any hesitations they had before working with you...'"

10. Storing and Utilizing Testimonials

Effective storage and strategic usage of testimonials can maximize their impact:

• Storage Solutions: Google Drive, Notion, or dedicated folders on your device.
• Usage Platforms: Websites, social media, email marketing, landing pages, checkout pages, and review sites like Google My Business.

"[22:40] Sarah: 'For storage, long term, I actually have a screenshots. Well, I have a folder in my... Google Drive sections and I keep them in a brag section.'"

11. Consistency in Leveraging Testimonials

Regularly incorporating testimonials into your marketing efforts is essential. Sarah suggests that one in every three to four posts should feature some form of social proof to maintain engagement and credibility.

"[24:55] Sarah: 'I would say that one in every sort of three to four posts should have something in their social proof.'"

12. Overcoming Common Challenges

Sarah addresses common obstacles, such as clients being unsure about what to say or being reluctant to provide video testimonials. She recommends proactive follow-ups and ensuring clients understand the value their testimonials provide to both your business and their own credibility.

"[16:30] Sarah: 'You can always go back to that person, say, hey, would you mind if I put this in for you?'"

13. Ethical Considerations and Relevance

Maintaining ethical standards is crucial. Testimonials should be relevant to the specific service or program they are endorsing to ensure authenticity and prevent misleading potential clients.

"[21:10] Sarah: 'It's not specifically about that, that program that you're currently offering or the offer that you've got on that page. It's about you as a person...'"

14. Call to Action: Utilize Available Resources

To aid listeners in crafting effective testimonials, Sarah provides a free downloadable guide with structured questions to solicit meaningful feedback from clients.

"[25:45] Sarah: 'So, do click that link, do download those free of charge. The sort of thing you want to be looking for are... available in that free download.'"

Conclusion

Sarah Jolley-Jarvis wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to prioritize collecting and utilizing testimonials as a fundamental aspect of their business strategy. She underscores the transformative power of authentic client feedback in building trust, enhancing visibility, and ensuring long-term success.

"[27:30] Sarah: 'Set yourself a goal. Collect your first three testimonials this week. Okay? Do something. Take action to get yourself into that better place.'"

Listeners are invited to support the podcast by reviewing, following, subscribing, and sharing testimonials, thereby fostering a community of empowered women entrepreneurs dedicated to sustained business growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Testimonials and reviews are indispensable assets that drive trust and client acquisition.
• Authenticity and relevance in testimonials enhance their effectiveness.
• Strategic collection and utilization of testimonials can significantly boost SEO and long-term business sustainability.
• Consistency and proactive engagement are essential in maintaining a robust portfolio of client feedback.

For more resources, including the testimonial question guide mentioned in the episode, listeners are encouraged to visit the show notes and download the available free materials.